The year 2026 brings a huge amount of not only promise but also trepidation as a huge number of changes to the housing world and housing market are set to affect landlords at once.

Following two years of particularly striking changes and one of the most impactful pieces of legislation in the rental market for over a generation, many landlords are evaluating whether they want to remain in the market or sell up and get out.

If you are a landlord and you are worried about the new rules, getting in touch with a local letting agency can help give you some peace of mind alongside tailored advice and options to help you manage your property.

However, there are three big questions this year that landlords have been asking, and where they should focus their attention. 

Will The Renters’ Rights Act Take Effect This Year?

At the end of 2025, the Renters’ Rights Bill became law as the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, but most of the major changes to rental law are only set to take effect starting 1st May this year.

Whilst many landlords will be aware of the bill, the effects will be significant, as no-fault evictions and fixed-term tenancies will be outlawed, requiring landlords to provide a reason to evict someone.

By contrast, tenants can provide two months’ notice at any time to leave, and have more access to resources to challenge rent increases and problems with conditions.

With fines of up to £40,000 for certain offences under the act, it is essential that landlords are compliant and act now to avoid serious issues down the road.

Other parts of the law, such as a rental sector database and landlord ombudsmen, will also arrive later in 2026 and into 2027.

Will It Be Harder To Increase Rent This Year?

In general, it will be more difficult to increase rent compared to in years past, both through direct changes to the law and through giving tenants more power to challenge without fear of discrimination or reprisal.

Bidding wars will be banned, and rent increases will have to be based on the market rate, with no more than one increase a year being allowed.

This aims to find a balance between ensuring that landlords can continue to offer high-quality accommodation, but also stops unfair surprises and eviction through rent hikes.

Will Rented Homes Need To Be More Energy Efficient?

One of the stated goals of the Renters’ Rights Act is to make homes more energy efficient, and whilst this remains the case, it is unlikely to take effect entirely by 2026.

At present, all privately rented homes need to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of at least an E rating, which is third from the bottom of the rating system.

By 2030, all privately rented homes will need to reach an EPC rating of C or higher, which usually means changes to boilers, changes to insulation and other adjustments to ensure your rented accommodation is greener and costs less to live in.